Grand Canyon has had seven players in its history selected in the NBA Draft, but none in the school's Division I era.
Will that change June 23-24 when this summer's draft takes place?
Jaden Henley might have a chance to rewrite GCU history. The 6-foot-7 guard has been making the NBA rounds with workouts ahead of the draft.
Henley's most recent workout was with the Golden State Warriors, after which, on a Zoom conference call, he said, "Just trying to continue to be me."
Jaden Henley, who played for Grand Canyon University, works out with the Golden State Warriors on May 27. Henley, a 6-foot-7 guard at GCU, was among six prospects who worked out with Golden State.
Henley performed well in the Portsmouth Invitational in April, getting on NBA scouts' radar and gaining an invite to the NBA G League combine.
Henley's trademark move at GCU was attacking the basket, making downhill drives for either dunks or layups and drawing fouls.
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He had 27 dunks last season and scored on 59% of his drives. He feasted at the free-throw line, converting 155 of 205 free throws for 76%. He shot 46% from the field and 27% from 3-point range, averaging 17.7 points in his only season at GCU. He made first team All-Mountain West.
"Not do too much outside of who I am," Henley said, in describing his approach during workouts for NBA teams. "Play hard, play at a high level and guard the ball."
Henley might have a chance to hear his name called. This year, there were 106 fewer early draft entrants from colleges compared to a year ago, and half of the 71 early entrants decided to return to college. So that might help Henley, who has exhausted his college eligibility.
Aside from the Warriors, teams Henley reportedly has worked out for or will be working out for include the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Orlando Magic.
Jaden Henley, who played for Grand Canyon University, was among six draft prospects who worked out with the Golden State Warriors on May 27.
Henley knows how to adjust to different philosophies and schemes. He played for four colleges in four years.
"Just having to adjust to new situations every time," Henley said. "New coaches, new playing styles, new people. I think it helps you.
"Just having that ability to adapt to a new situation, new people, just growing with that, it helps a lot."
Henley said he wants to show NBA teams his outside shooting ability. He shot 35% from 3-point range (34 of 97) his junior year at UNLV two seasons ago when he averaged 12.5 points. He made 86% of his free throws (89 of 103) that year.
"I took a dip this past year," he said. "I'm just trying to show I can shoot it and do well."
Asked how his skill set fits in with the Warriors, Henley mentioned his ability to play off the ball and play fast. He said he compares his game to Oklahoma City Thunder 6-5 guard Aaron Wiggins.
"I can see a lot of things on the court with my passing ability," Henley said. "I think I can grab the board, push it, play fast and kick it ahead. And, defensively, be able to get deflections and stay in front of the ball."
GCU draft picks history
According to RealGM, here is a history of former Grand Canyon players taken in the draft, all before the Lopes jumped to NCAA Division I in 2013:
– Rodney Johns, 1988, Suns, 3rd round
– Roy Singleton, 1987, Suns, 7th round
– Gerald Ross, 1980, New York Knicks, 10th round
– Willie Polk, 1979, Detroit Pistons, 10th round
– Nate Stokes, 1978, Suns, 9th round
– David Everett, 1976, Portland Trail Blazers, 4th round
– Bayard Forrest, 1975, Suns, 3rd round
